Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics who suffer from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.

Footwear and orthotics play an important role in diabetic foot care. Diabetic footwear should provide the following: firm heel counters for support and stability; rocker soles designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain; high, wide toe box (space in toe area); removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care

Diabetic ulcers form mainly due to lack of sensation. It is often thought that a lack of circulation may be cause of problems, but a majority of ulcers are formed from increased pressure on a certain area of the foot. The key to ulcer care is to not delay treatment. With early care, the need for amputation and bone infection can be avoided leading to optimal healing.

Several advances in ulcer care have been developed by doctors in the past decade. These include the use of genetic skin to close wounds, the use of skin grafts to close wounds and the use of local skin and muscle flaps to close wounds. Dr. Wilkes specializes in all aspects of ulcer care and has expertise in all forms of ulcer treatment including specialized brace formation, casting technique, surgical wound closure and genetic skin graft use.